Extended Care

I sat in her room at the nursing home watching her fight back the tears as she asked, “Does it hurt to die?” One of her kidneys was failing, and while the other was still functioning, she was fearful having recently watched a dear friend die in a great deal of pain. Knowing that she was once a nurse in the Navy, I sensed that her question wasn’t really rooted in the physical aspects of suffering or death. As we talked, it became clear to me that her question (and her concern), was about where she would spend eternity. What she really wanted to know was, “What must I do to be saved?” What a joy it was to point this troubled soul to the sure hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Staff Minister Allen Krause

In the words of St. Peter, ours is a “living hope… kept in heaven for us, who through faith are shielded by God’s power” (1Pt. 1:4-5). Extended Care ministry focuses on sharing this “living hope” with those who need it most— the often forgotten souls living in nursing homes, independent and assisted living facilities, as well as hospice care centers. These souls are precious to our Savior, and it is our great privilege to share God's Word with them, reassuring them with the faithfulness of God's promises -- "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Mt. 28:20).